Frequently Asked Questions
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- Where can I find news for my town, including scams/bogus callers operating?
- Can I get cheaper insurance if I am a member of NHW?
- What if there is no scheme in my area but I don't want to be a coordinator?
- What role do the Police play in NHW?
- How much will it cost me to join/set up a scheme?
- What do I do if I want to report a crime but it is not an emergency?
- Who do I contact regarding an abandoned car?
- As a Neighbourhood Watch member what will I be expected to do?
- If I volunteer to be a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator what will I need to do?
- Where can I get local crime figures?
- Where are all the Police Officers?
- If I find an intruder in my home can I restrain them and use force?
- Does NHW work?
- What do I do if my Neighbourhood watch sign needs replacing?
- How much work is there in running a scheme?
- What is the first point of contact when a member sees anything suspicious?
- What are the benefits of being in a Scheme?
A. Visit the "Local pages" of the NHW website. Here you can select your location and see information relevant to you, including news (including information on scams/bogus callers), events and a newsletter. This information is updated on a daily bases, so is a good place to keep abreast of crime/neighbourhood watch/community issues which effect you. By joining NHW, you will also be able to receive emails and other communications from the NHW organisation.
Q. Can I get cheaper insurance if I am a member of NHW?A. Some insurers offer reduced fees because NHW areas tend to have lower crime rates. But remember - you only get lower crime if your scheme is proactive - if you set up a scheme just to get cheaper insurance and crime goes up, don't be surprised if they change their policy!
Q. What if there is no scheme in my area but I don't want to be a coordinator?A. Talk to your neighbours. If no-one is prepared to be a coordinator then it is not worth pushing people into it.
Q. What role do the Police play in NHW?A. NHW schemes are there to help the police to prevent and detect crime. The police will not run the schemes, that is up to each community, but they will liaise with each scheme and share important information - they may even come to a BBQ if invited!
Q. How much will it cost me to join/set up a scheme?A. There is no charge for setting up or running a scheme. All stickers and leaflets are supplied by the Police. The sign however, does have a cost but we may be sorting a sponsorship out!!!
Q. What do I do if I want to report a crime but it is not an emergency?A. Click on "Online notification of non urgent minor crime" or call 0845 408 7000
Q. Who do I contact regarding an abandoned car?A. Contact the council - see the contact page
Q. As a Neighbourhood Watch member what will I be expected to do?A. See "How does it work?"
Q. If I volunteer to be a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator what will I need to do?A. See "How does it work?"
Q. Where can I get local crime figures?A. Go to your local library or visit the national statistics website.
Q. Where are all the Police Officers?A. Police Officers are always out in the community, on foot, on bicycles, and in vehicles. Not all officers are in uniform and do not always drive marked vehicles.
Q. If I find an intruder in my home can I restrain them and use force?A. Offenders usually target unoccupied premises as they do not want to be identified. Should you return home during a burglary the Police need to be informed immediately on a 999 call. If you do not have a mobile go to a neighbour. NEVER PUT YOURSELF AT RISK. The offender may be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and possibly carrying a weapon. Only reasonable force may be used to protect yourself. Police Officers are trained to deal with these situations and you should ensure you and your family go to a secure environment. To clarify your rights, please read the CPS leaflet 'Householders And The Use Of Force Against Intruders' (this is a 128kb pdf, which requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader below)
A. Yes, offenders are aware NHW members will phone the Police because of their commitment to NHW and also ensure their properties are secure. This is evidenced by insurers who will often discount Home Insurance of NHW members as their areas have a low claims rate.
Q. What do I do if my Neighbourhood watch sign needs replacing?A. If the sign is faded or damaged contact your local Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer who can make arrangements to have it replaced. In some areas there may be a small charge depending on your local authority.
Q. How much work is there in running a scheme?A. As much or as little as you want to put into it. Some co-ordinators produce their own local newsletters and run fund raising events, while others do not have sufficient time to do much of this – role descriptions can be found under NHW Association.
Q. What is the first point of contact when a member sees anything suspicious?A. It depends on the urgency of the situation. For an actual crime being committed always call 999. For non-emergency situations the police should be contacted on 0845 408 7000. If you don’t feel it is worthwhile contacting the police you should at least report it to your Scheme Co-ordinator so that he/she can co-ordinate any similar happenings.
Q. What are the benefits of being in a scheme?A. Most people feel more secure in the knowledge that their neighbours are keeping an eye on other properties as well as their own. They know that a criminal is more likely to choose a non-Neighbourhood Watch area to do his/her misdeeds. They get to know their neighbours through their membership and this often leads to caring more for their general area. Some insurance companies give discounts to Scheme members.
